When Lambton's historic former post office went to market for the first time in 30 years, it sparked immediate curiosity.
The building on the corner of Dickson and Morehead streets is now set for its next chapter after selling ahead of auction to a local investor for $1.425 million.
While the buyer's exact plans for 37 Dickson Street remain undisclosed, listing agent Mathew Iuliano of Mavis Property said the National Trust-listed building attracted many curious locals eager to peek inside the Victorian Italianate-style landmark.
"We had a lot of people look at it and it drew a lot of local attention during the campaign," he said.
Dating back to 1884 and built 20 years after Lambton was established, the former Lambton Post and Telegraph Office took 18 months to construct.
It served as the community's post office and postmaster's residence for more than a century.
After sitting vacant in the mid-1990s, it was purchased in 1996 for $250,000 by the owner of Hann Insurance Brokers, who spent years meticulously restoring its original features.
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Original heritage details include a lacework verandah, high ceilings, ceiling roses, pine floorboards, arched windows and picture rails.
"It was an incredible restoration, and if you tried to build it today, it would be impossible," Mr Iuliano said.
"The materials, the quality, and the craftsmanship - it was really quite opulent.
"I've sold a lot of older houses, and I haven't seen one that has been that well cared for and maintained."
Positioned on a 714-square-metre corner block, the floor plan offered the flexibility of a grand family home or commercial office space.
"It was a tricky one because there were two markets: the commercial investor market and the live-in buyer," he said.
"There was no return for a commercial investment and to live in it, it had a lot of heritage restrictions as to what you could do with it internally."
Set across three levels, including a basement, upstairs has two large rooms, both with fireplaces, and the entry level has a kitchen, a bathroom, a powder room and three large rooms.
The property includes a three-car garage accessed via Morehead Street, gated grounds and additional off-street parking.
